termux/termux-api

What it does

Termux:API is an Android add-on app that makes device functionality callable from the Termux command line. Instead of writing Java or Kotlin, scripts call helper commands that reach Android APIs, so shell scripts and programs can use the device's hardware and system services without a full Android project.

Calls travel through a local socket: the termux-api client binary in the termux-api package creates two anonymous Linux namespace sockets and broadcasts their addresses to TermuxApiReceiver. The sockets carry stdin to the API class and return output to the client's stdout (How API calls are made). Client-side scripts that parse arguments before invoking the binary live in the separate termux-api package.

This suits people automating an Android device from Termux, writing shell scripts that react to sensor, notification, or messaging data, and developers extending Termux with new device APIs.

Install

The app is distributed on F-Droid; the latest version documented is v0.53.0. The companion termux-api client package must also be installed in Termux so the helper commands are available.

Per-commit debug builds are published on GitHub Actions for testing new features or pull requests. Each distribution channel signs the app with a different key. Switching sources therefore requires uninstalling the Termux app and all installed plugins first; see the Termux installation notes.

After both pieces are installed, use the client commands from a Termux shell to call device APIs. The README does not include a complete command example, so consult the termux-api package for the available command names and options.

Constraints

Only the main Termux app may call the API methods, which is enforced by requiring the add-on to be signed with the same key as the main Termux app. Self-built or differently signed packages will not be able to use the API unless signing is aligned. The project is released under GPLv3.

The README lists only early ideas—Wi-Fi search/connect and broader app-management permissions—so those capabilities should not be assumed to exist (ideas).

HotRepo's take

The project appeared in the GitHub Java daily ranking on 2026-11-01 at position 14 with 4,566 stars and 6 stars gained that day. That single snapshot shows it still moving in a language-specific ranking long after its 2015 creation, which fits a mature utility whose value comes from being the only supported bridge between Termux and Android APIs rather than from rapid feature churn. The data provided here records no all-language daily rank for the project.